PNP tightens security as Uplift aid reaches millions of Filipinos

This file photo shows officers of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributing cash aid on May 16, 2026, to people entitled to receive a cash subsidy from the government. —Inquirer photo/Grig C. Montegrande MANILA, Philippines — As millions of Filipinos receive government aid this week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered heightened security measures nationwide for the expanded Unified Package for Livelihood, Industry, Food and Transport (Uplift) program. The Department of Social Welfare and Development said the program serves as the latest round of financial assistance for individuals affected by the energy emergency linked to the Middle East crisis. In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered police units to increase personnel deployment at distribution centers to maintain peace and order and support the payout operations. Article continues after this advertisement The program will cover 3.5 million households enrolled in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the Walang Gutom Program (WGP). READ: 102,000 to receive cash aid via Uplift program in Central Visayas It will also benefit 2.5 million poor and near-poor households identified through the Philippine Statistics Authority’s Community-Based Monitoring System (CBMS). In addition, 1.5 million low-income members of the Social Security System are included in the expanded Uplift program. Households identified through the CBMS under Group 2 and eligible SSS members under Group 3 will receive P2,000 monthly from July to December, which is P12,000 for six months. Article continues after this advertisement READ: DSWD to roll out P2,000 in Uplift aid Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the 4Ps will receive their assistance directly through their Land Bank of the Philippines or GCash accounts. Article continues after this advertisement Those enrolled in the WGP will obtain the cash aid through manual payouts conducted during their scheduled food redemption days. Local police commanders were directed to implement real-time security adjustments and continuously monitor intelligence reports related to peace and order concerns. Commanders were also instructed to prepare for non-security contingencies, including medical emergencies that may arise during the distribution activities. ‘Peace of mind’ “The priority is not only to ensure peace and order but to give all the beneficiaries the peace of mind that in cases of emergencies and other eventuality, their PNP would be there to assist them,” said Nartatez. Nartatez said they will “work closely with local government units (LGUs) to ensure the smooth implementation of the program in every distribution area,” providing immediate assistance in case of emergencies. Earlier, Social Welfare Secretary Rex Gatchalian said LGUs will assist in arranging payout schedules, but emphasized that the beneficiary list was derived exclusively from the PSA’s CBMS and was not provided by any local or national government officials. Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful. The Uplift Assistance represents the second wave of government financial support provided under President Marcos’ Executive Order No. 110, which declared a nationwide state of energy emergency for one year. /cb